Bauchi State Goverment comemorates 2026 May Day with Renewed Commitment to improving Workers’ Welfare
By Aliyu Adamu Faggo
Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving workers’ welfare and addressing the challenges of insecurity and poverty, as the state joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 International Workers’ Day.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, made the pledge during the May Day celebration held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
He described the theme of the celebration, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work,” as timely, noting that both challenges continue to undermine productivity, dignity, and the wellbeing of workers.
The governor urged workers across public and private sectors to demonstrate resilience, discipline, and a sense of responsibility in contributing to nation-building.
He said his administration had sustained efforts to enhance civil servants’ welfare despite economic constraints, including the implementation of a credible payroll system to ensure transparency and prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
Governor Bala Muhammad highlighted key interventions such as the implementation of the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage, provision of subsidised agricultural inputs, introduction of work-free days to encourage farming, and ongoing recruitment into the civil service to strengthen institutional capacity.
Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, added that his administration had also intensified collaboration with security agencies to maintain peace and stability across the state.
In his remarks, the Head of Civil Service, Barrister Mohammed Sani Umar, commended the government for prioritising workers’ welfare and implementing reforms aimed at improving service delivery.
He cited the introduction of merit-based promotions, service charter initiatives, and the establishment of a reliable nominal roll system as measures that have enhanced accountability and transparency in the civil service.
Barrister Umar also acknowledged government interventions such as the implementation of the minimum wage and pension, training programmes for civil servants, and welfare initiatives designed to cushion economic hardship.
He called on workers to reciprocate the government’s efforts through dedication, discipline, and adherence to public service rules, stressing that efficient service delivery remains critical in addressing insecurity and poverty.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Dauda M Shu’aibu, outlined demands of organized labour, including settlement of gratuity backlog, provision of operational vehicles for unions, resumption of leave transport grants, and remittance of housing fund deductions.
The NLC chairman commended the Bauchi State Government for its efforts in maintaining relative peace and implementing pro-worker policies, including recruitment into the civil service, capacity-building programmes, and improved healthcare access.
He assured of continued partnership between labour unions and the state government to sustain industrial harmony and promote development.
Highpoints of the event include the presentation of awards to unions in recognition of their performance in various categories.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria emerged first in mobilisation, while the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union RATTAWU bagged the first position in organisation, with the Trade Union Congress TUC emerging second in the same category among others.
